International Development Minister Christian Paradis says the government
will not fund overseas projects that allow war rape victims and child brides to
obtain an abortion.
The Conservative government's position on the matter was unclear last week
after it backed
initiatives to tackle sexual violence and forced
marriages at the United Nations.
But Paradis says the government's policy would follow the same logic as that
behind Canada's $3-billion G8 funding commitment for maternal and child health
— no
money should go towards abortion services.
At the time, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said none of those dollars would
go toward abortion services because there were enough other worthy initiatives
to support.
That's a change from comments made by the president of the Canadian
International Development Agency in 2010.
While Canada has never directly
funded abortions, Margaret Biggs told a committee that the agency would
continue to fund aid groups who might provide referrals for abortion services.
CIDA was folded into the Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade earlier this year.
An upcoming report to the UN Security Council from Secretary General Ban-Ki
moon is expected to recommend access to 
abortion services for pregnancies
resulting from rape during conflict, according to the Global Justice Center in
New York.
abortion services for pregnancies
resulting from rape during conflict, according to the Global Justice Center in
New York.
Abortion continues to be a topic of debate in the House of Commons, coming
up periodically as Conservative MPs bring forward private member's bills on the
issue.
An annual pro-life rally on Parliament Hill draws thousands of participants. Harper has said he does not want to re-open the divisive debate.
An annual pro-life rally on Parliament Hill draws thousands of participants. Harper has said he does not want to re-open the divisive debate.
Source: CBC News
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